His problems started in May 2011 when he was given a top ranking of 10 on the UCI's “suspicious list” which ranked all the starters of the 2010 Tour de France and gave their individual scores on suspicion of doping. Those scores were based on the riders' individual biological passport values up to the event, and included the readings of the first blood test performed just before the start of the 2010 Tour.

In October the UCI formally requested that the Spanish cycling federation open disciplinary proceedings against Barredo and the team suspended him.

“I will not return to the bicycle,” Barredo told El Pais. “On Wednesday I start my new job,” for a coffee-making company.

Barredo won a stage at the Vuelta a Espana in 2010, and won the Clasica de San Sebastian in 2009, finishing second there in 2011. However, he is perhaps best known for attacking Rui Costa with his front wheel after stage six of the Tour de France 2010.

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